Agility
is a sport in which a dog and handler team run an predetermined obstacle course in a set
amount
of time. The handler tries to guide the dog over the proper
obstacles. At the beginner levels, the dogs are allowed a few mistakes but as
your team advances the number of mistakes
allowed is decreased.

Agility can be taught to most types of dogs and there are shows for both
purebred
dogs and mixed breeds. To take agility at Rockwood Dog Training Center, your dog must have had
at least 6-8 weeks of obedience training ( the
training does not have to take place at our facility).
They MUST wear a buckle collar to
class. No choke chains or pinch collars will
be permitted while the dogs are learning
the agility equipment.

When we teach the dogs we use lots of food for motivation (so
if your dog has a special diet please bring the proper treats) Most
of our treats are lunch meats, such as turkey or ham and sometimes last night's
roast.The use of food will
gradually disappear after the first 6 weeks.

Beginner agility
class is for those dogs or handlers who have never done agility. The
class is 6 weeks long and it teaches the dogs all AKC regulation equipment
(A-Frame, Teeter, Dog Walk, Weave Poles, Tunnel, Table, Tire, Jump, Shoot and Spread
Jump.) The equipment starts off lower than regulation height so that the
dog can safely learn and gain confidence. For safety purposes, all dogs in
this class must wear a buckle collar with no tags or things hanging from it.
No
choke chains or pinch collars will be permitted while the dogs are learning the
agility equipment.By
the end of the class, you will be able to guide your dog to safely negotiate all
equipment and move on to one of the next classes.Unlike other agility classes, you and your dog need to attend all
sessions in the class.

Agility
Handing class is for those handlers who
need to work on handling problems they are having with their dogs.
This class will be geared toward those dogs who know all the equipment but need
to work more on go outs, send to, and other basic and advanced handling
techniques. When you
have mastered handling techniques, you and your dog can move to the
competition level.Prerequisite: beginner
agility class

Intermediate Agility class is for those dogs
that need to work more on the equipment and staying with their handlers.
It will focus more on obedience and dog attention. Once the
problems are solved, the dog and handler team can move to the competition
level.Prerequisite:
beginner agility class

Competition
Agility class is for those handler and dog teams that are ready to or already
competing in agility shows. The obstacle courses used in class will be
designed more for open and excellent working dogs giving the novice
level dog an advantage when they begin to compete.Prerequisite: beginner,
intermediate, or handling classes or previous experience.